Huge Snapping Turtle Found In Gutter Perplexes Wildlife Experts

BALTIMORE, MD — A giant snapping turtle found in a gutter in Baltimore near Cherry Hill Park has left wildlife experts perplexed and scratching their heads. You see, that big turtle should have been hibernating this time of the year — not roaming the city, they said.

"Some mysteries in life may never be solved. Like, are we alone in the universe? Which came first: the chicken or the egg? And, most importantly, how did this snapping turtle friend end up roaming around Baltimore City?!" the BARCS Animal Shelter posted to Facebook.

The local animal shelter said it took in the big turtle Monday where it is now safe from the elements and is getting the care it needs.

"When we say BARCS is an open-admission animal shelter that takes in all animals, we mean it!" the shelter said via social media.

The shelter described the turtle on Facebook as "VERY big. Trash can lid size... ish." According to the Chesapeake Bay Program, snapping turtles can weigh up to 75 pounds with a 20 inch-long carapace; however, most are about 35 pounds with a 10-15 inch carapace.

The massive turtle won't be available for adoption, according to the shelter. Instead, he'll be transferred to a partner rescue organization that specializes in wildlife care.

"We hope he'll be released back into the wild shortly!" the shelter said.

The snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in Maryland. It can be found in virtually any pond, lake, marsh, or other permanent body of water, wildlife experts said.

When found crossing land, snapping turtles can often be famously cantankerous and ill-tempered, according to the Maryland Biodiversity Project.